Hopefully, you are enjoying the peaceful and carefree retirement you always dreamed of. If you are currently working with a financial advisor ask yourself these questions:
- Are you working with a fiduciary? Is your advisor making investment decisions based on your best interests first and foremost?
- How much are you paying for investment and financial planning advice? Is what you are paying reasonable and competitive?
- Do you clearly understand the investment strategies recommended by your advisor and are those strategies helping you achieve your goals?
- Are your income needs being met in an efficient manner to preserve and protect the integrity of your portfolio?
- How often is your advisor looking at your account and making rebalancing decisions?
- How often do you hear from your advisor? How often do you meet with them face to face?
- Has your advisor discussed tax and estate planning issues with you?
- Does your advisor have a clean regulatory record? To perform a “broker check” go to www.finra.org.
Maybe you’re managing your money on your own. Consider these things:
- Is your spouse prepared to take over investment management in the event something happens to you?
- Are you able to detach yourself emotionally from investment decisions and market volatility?
- Are you able to devote enough time to research and education to ensure you aren’t missing out on opportunities that could positively impact your finances long-term?
Whether you are working with a financial advisor or are happy being a “do-it-yourself-er”, getting a second opinion is well worth the time and energy. At ICM, our initial consultations are free, and we’re happy to provide you with some insight and assurance that what you’re doing is working for your long-term good.